BMW M division reveals more about the 1-Series M Coupe

We know for sure that an M badged hot version of the BMW 1-Series Coupe is coming – M division boss Dr. Kay Segler previously said that the car will roll out in the first half of 2011, they released a video of the car and also showed it on the streets of Paris during the motor show – but details have been scarce, until now.

In an interview with M’s official website, Albert Biermann, Head of Development at BMW M GmbH said that the upcoming hot 1-Series Coupe is “completely in the tradition of the first BMW M3”, and that it will make M-car ownership more accessible. The price will be closer to a 135i Coupe than the M3 Coupe.

The M Coupe will be powered by a 3.0-litre inline six with twin turbos. It will produce about 340 hp. Power goes to the rear wheels via a good old six-speed manual with no automatic option. The prototypes undergoing testing now have many similarities to the chassis, brakes, and rear differential of the BMW M3, according to Biermann, who adds that this car (1,500 kg weight is the target) will be about ten seconds faster than the E46 M3 around the Nordschleife.

More aggressive body styling is expected and the M Coupe will be 80 mm wider than the 135i, which has 306 hp and does 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. Full details will be released in December while the motor show debut will be at Detroit 2011.

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.